Ministerial Statement by the Minister of Public Works, The Hon. Craig Cannonier, JP, MP.
Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to advise this Honorable House and members of the Public of the Ministry of Public Works intent to use cameras to gather photographic evidence in support of offences in accordance with the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987.
Mr. Speaker, illegal dumping is the crime of disposing of solid wastes at locations other than those licensed to accept wastes. Illegal dumping is a blight on our Island home often spoiling the most out-of-the-way places that are essential to residents and tourists alike for their solitude and natural beauty. Illegal dumping poses significant human health, social, environmental, and economic costs with government spending thousands of dollars annually to remove illegally dumped materials.
Mr. Speaker, the cost to clean-up illegally dumped materials is many times the cost to correctly dispose of them. Tax payer dollars used to clean-up dump sites could be better spent on benefits and programmes that would be more widely enjoyed by our island as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, illegal dumpers don't fully realize the severity of the crimes they commit. Waste crime, as illegal dumping is becoming more commonly known, is a multi-level crime that also impacts the customers who have paid for waste removal as well as legitimate businesses that pay waste-disposal tipping fees. Those who commit waste crimes break the law to enjoy quick, easy money while disregarding the beauty of our Island home and all who live here.
Mr. Speaker, The Waste and Litter Control Act 1987 was amended in 2011 providing for fines of up to $10,000 for illegal dumping and the use of video cameras to assist with the collection of evidence used for prosecuting those committing waste crimes.
Mr. Speaker, there will always be those who seek to spoil our community through the selfish act of illegal dumping. Their behaviour necessitates enforcement of illegal dumping legislation to bring home the message that illegal dumping is an egregious disservice to our island home.
Mr. Speaker, placement of these cameras will be undertaken by the Education and Enforcement Officer who may be assisted by other ministry employees as and when needed as well as the Bermuda Police Service. In accordance with the Act, notice of the approved recording device will be published in the Gazette for five (5) business days.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to keep this Honourable House updated on the progress that we are making to reduce and eliminate the problem of illegal dumping.
Thank you Mr. Speaker